Thomas Buckton

74

iain Frazier on 23rd September 2025

Family connections for Thomas (Buckton) are: BUCKTON Thomas (Buckton) was born about 1783 & became a dyer & woollen manufacturer. He possibly lived in or moved to Yorkshire. He was tried for breaking & entering & stealing a leather pocket book/purse of Thomas (Shepherd) of Almondbury at Gloucester Assizes on 16 8 1817, sentenced to death commuted to Life & arrived in NSW as a convict on 14 10 1818 after a voyage of 9months on TOTTENHAM. On the voyage he sufferred much bodily soreness & scurvy. He was 5'6.5" brown or ruddy complexion long face long chin dark brown hair grey eyes, small cut on left side end of nose, large mark near navel, mole on left arm, small scar lower left fore finger & could read & write. He married firstly (1of3) Elizabeth (Curtis-sic her third relationship) free on 6 4 1819. He was Free by Servitude & a clothier in 1821.>>> [Some details taken from this Website) Elizabeth (Curtin) as Elizabeth (Williams) was born about 1783. She was tried at Middlesex Sessions of Peace, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 14 12 1801 after a journey of 6months on Fleet ship NILE. She had a first (1of3) marriage? with ??? (Curtin). She must have been moved to Norfolk Island & had a second (2of3) relationship with Thomas (Crowder) & produced 3children. She & her children seem to have then lived with Thomas (Creghan/Crahan BODDINGTONS 1793) & his family in 1806/7. She seems to have left Norfolk Island with her children with Thomas (Crahan) on 26 12 1807 on HMS PORPOISE to Derwent Tasmania, arriving on 17 1 1808. She produced 4known children in her lifetime. [Some details taken from this Website) Thomas (Buckton) & Elizabeth (Curtin/Williams) produced 1child: 1.James (Buckton) was born about 1820-mother shown as (Curtis). .. >>>Thomas (Buckton) clothier married secondly (2of3) Jane (Thompson) on 2 7 1821 at St Phillips CofE Sydney.>>> ..Jane (Thompson) was born in 1798 in England. She arrived in NSW with her parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. In 1814 she was living at Windsor. In 1825 she obtained a licence (liquor?/accommodation?). She died on 23 11 1826 age28/30 & was buried, as Buckton, at St James CofE Sydney. ..Details of Jane (Thompson)s family are given below. ..Thomas (Buckton) & Jane (Thompson) produced 2children: ..1.Thomas (Buckton) was born on 8 11 1822 & baptised on 8 12 1822 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He died on 6 11 1891 age66 (Website suggests 1827). In 1830 after her fathers death she lived with her aunt Caroline (Thompson) in Richmond. ..2.Eliza/beth (Buckton) was born on 28 12 1824 & baptised on 6 2 1825 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. In 1830 after her fathers death she lived with her aunt Caroline (Thompson) in Richmond. She died on 30 4 1894 age69. .. >>>Thomas (Buckton) received 50lashes about 1 3 1826 for insolence at his wifes premises & on 19 12 1826 he was assigned to William (Thompson) his brother in law. He was a clothier/dealer, now Free by Servitude & a brewer/dealer at Campbell St when he married thirdly Ann (Ha/ence) on 6 8 1827 at St James CofE Sydney.>>> Ann (Ha/ence) was born about 1805. She arrived in Australia free with her sisters in 1820 on MORLEY. After 1830 she moved to Newcastle. Details of Ann (Hence)s family are shown in entry for John (Hence NEPTUNE 1818) on this Website. Thomas (Buckton) & Ann (Ha/ence) produced 1child: 1.Francis (Buckton) was born on 17 7 1828 at Campbell St Sydney & baptised on 26 7 1828 at St James CofE Sydney. He died on 13 6 1911 age82. .. >>>Thomas (Buckton) had possessions of land & property, including a brewery, in August 1829 amounting to 2,000lb. On 12 2 1830 he was confined to a cell at the watchouse, for stealing a gold watch, where he died by suffocation from excessive drinking, diseased state of his body & effect of heat & poor air in confinement on 14 2 1830 age about47 father of 4children & was buried at St James CofE Sydney; his property was sold on 18 2 1830 to repay debts. ++ [Noted that a Thomas (Buxton age42) who arrived in Australia as a convict in 1818 is recorded as marrying Mary (Timmins age21) on 30 3 1830 at Christ Church Newcastle.] [Thomas (Buxton) does not have an entry on this Website as yet] [Mary (Timmins), daughter of Thomas, was born in 1809 & undertook country work. She was living in Queens county Ireland when tried for theft of jewellery at Carlow Ireland in August 1827, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 26 4 1829 after a voyage of 4months on EDWARD; she was Protestant could read 5'4" ruddy freckled complexion red hair hazel eyes. She was assigned to James (Raymond) at Sydney. She settled in Newcastle.] [These details taken from this Website] THOMPSON James (Thompson) married Elizabeth (Sawyer) in England. He arrived in NSW (pehaps he came free) with his family on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. [Noted there were 2xAnn (Thompson)s recorded on this Website on this ship. There is no evidence that either are related.] Eliza/beth (Sawyer) was born about 1769. She arrived in NSW with her family on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. She died instantly on 24 4 1822 age53 at Windsor after being thrown out of bullock cart & was buried, as Eliza/beth (Thompson), at St Matthews CofE Sydney. James (Thompson) & Elizabeth (Sawyer) produced at least 7children: 1.Walter F (Thompson) was born in 1797 in England. He arrived in NSW with his parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. 2.Jane (Thompson) was born in 1798 in England. She arrived in NSW with her parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. In 1814 she was living at Windsor. She married Thomas (Buckton clothier his second (2of3) marriage) on 2 7 1821 at St Phillips CofE Sydney & produced 2children. In 1825 she obtained a licence (liquor?/accommodation?). She died on 23 11 1826 age28/30 & was buried, as (Buckton), at St James CofE Sydney. ..Thomas (Buckton) was born about 1783 & became a dyer & woollen manufacturer. He possibly lived in or moved to Yorkshire. He was tried for breaking & entering & stealing a leather pocket book/purse of Thomas (Shepherd) of Almondbury at Gloucester Assizes on 16 8 1817, sentenced to death commuted to Life & arrived in NSW as a convict on 14 10 1818 after a voyage of 9months on TOTTENHAM. On the voyage he sufferred much bodily soreness & scurvy. He was 5'6.5" brown or ruddy complexion long face long chin dark brown hair grey eyes, small cut on left side end of nose, large mark near navel, mole on left arm, small scar lower left fore finger & could read & write. On 6 4 1819 he married firstly (1of3) Elizabeth (Curtis-sic her third relationship) free on 6 4 1819. He was Free by Servitude & a clothier in 1821. He received 50lashes about 1 3 1826 for insolence at his wifes premises & on 19 12 1826 he was assigned to William (Thompson) his brother in law. He was a clothier/dealer, now Free by Servitude & a brewer/dealer at Campbell St when he married thirdly Ann (Ha/ence) on 6 8 1827 at St James CofE Sydney. He had possessions of land & property, including a brewery, in August 1829 amounting to 2,000lb. On 12 2 1830 he was confined to a cell at the watchouse, for stealing a gold watch, where he died by suffocation from excessive drinking, diseased state of his body & effect of heat & poor air in confinement on 14 2 1830 age about47 father of 4children & was buried at St James CofE Sydney; his property was sold on 18 2 1830 to repay debts. [Some details taken from this Website) ..Details of Thomas (Buckton)s family are given above. .. 3.Martha (Thompson) was born in 1800 in England. She arrived in NSW with her parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT; she was Protestant. She married Charles (Hogsflesh) labourer on 31 8 1820 with permission at St Phillips CofE Sydney & produced 2children. ..Charles-also known as Charles Richard & Richard-(Hogsflesh) was born about 1788. He was tried at Surrey Assizes, sentenced to 7years & arrived in NSW as a convict on 7 9 1815 after a journey of 5months on BARING & forwarded to Parramatta; he was Protestant. He was a labourer in 1820. He is recorded as clerk to Samuel (Terry) on 4 10 1824. In 1828 he is recorded as a clerk lodging with J (Parfitts) Sydney with his family. ..[Some details taken from this Website] .. 4.Caroline (Thompson) was born in 1802 in England. She arrived in NSW with her parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. She married Thomas (John) of Richmond on 3 9 1827 at St Matthews CofE Windsor & produced at least 2children. In 1830 she took over care of nephew Thomas (Buckton) & neice Elizabeth (Buckton) children of deceased brother in law Thomas (Buckton) at Richmond. ..Thomas (John) was born about 1803 in the colony. He was recorded at Richmond in 1827 & as a barber in 1828 & 1830. He died on 27 8 1900 age about97. ..Details of Thomas (John)s family are given in entry for John William (John ALBERMARLE 1791) on this Website. .. 5.William (Thompson) was born in 1805 in England. He arrived in NSW with his parents on 11 4 1806 after a journey of 8months on WILLIAM PITT. He married Mary (???). In 1826 his brother in law Thomas (Buckton) a repeat offender was assigned to him. ..Mary (???) came free. ..William (Thompson) & Mary (???) produced 1child: ..1.Alice (Thompson) was born on 3 1 1821 & baptised on 28 1 1821 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. .. 6.Frederick (Thompson) was born on 4 3 1808 & baptised on 17 9 1809 age18m w/Edward at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He married Charlotte (Douglas age15) on 14 9 1829 at St Peters CofE Richmond. He was recorded in 1830 as a wheelwright. He died on 12 6 1877 age69. ..Charlotte (Douglas) was born on 2 4 1814 at Windsor & baptised on 29 5 1814 at St Matthews CofE Windsor. She died on 1 1 1873 age58. ..Details of Charlotte (Douglas)s family are given in entry for Thomas (Douglas CANADA 1801) on this Website. ..Frederick (Thompson) & Charlotte (Douglas) produced at least 1child: ..1.Jane (Thompson) was born on 1 5 1830 at Richmond & baptised on 30 5 1830 at St Peters CofE Richmond. .. 7.Edward (Thompson) was born on 16 7 1809 & baptised on 17 9 1809 w/Frederick at St Phillips CofE Sydney. He was a farmer when he died on 10 7 1827 age18- at South Creek & was buried at St Matthews CofE Windsor. Noted a James (Thompson) & Mary (Clary) produced 1child: 1.James (Thompson) was born on 2 12 1809 & baptised on 18 3 1810 at St Phillips CofE Sydney. References: Craig James Smee 'Births and Baptisms Marriages and Defacto Relationships Deaths and Burials New South Wales 1788-1830' ..a complete listing from church & other records in the early colony. Irene Schaffer & Thelma McKay 'Exiled Three Times Over! Profiles of Norfolk Islanders Exiled in Van Diemens Land 1807-1813' James Hugh Donohoe 'Norfolk Island 1788-1813-The People and Their Families' Reg Wright 'Forgotten Generation of Norfolk Island & Van Diemens Land'

1

Caylie Wigney (nee Buxton) on 15th April 2012

THOMAS BUCKTON (Convict) Thomas was born around 1789. The first 28 years of his life in England have not been found. We are not certain where he was born, where he lived, or who his parents, brothers and sisters were. Time and patience will reveal more. Thomas first appears in the Gloucester summer assizes of 16th August, 1817. His crime was to break into the dwelling house of Thomas Shepherd at Almondsbury and steal a leather pocket book containing 8 pounds (two one pound local notes, one five pound local note, one guinea and three seven shilling pieces of gold). At the time he was described as dark brown hair, light blue grey eyes, brown complexion, long face, a small cut on left side the end of his nose, rather long chin, a large mark on his belly near the naval, a mole on his left arm and a small scar, lower part fore finger, left hand. He was 5’6 ½” and could read and write. Somehow, Thomas managed to have his sentence of Death commuted to life. On the 27th March 1818, he was transported to New South Wales. At the time, his occupation was recorded as Dyer and Woollen Manufacturer. He had a ruddy complexion and hazel eyes. He supposedly came from Yorkshire. The ‘Tottenham’ sailed from Spithead, England on 17th April 1818. She was twice beaten back, owing to various accidents and bad weather. Her rudder also had to be repaired. The ‘Tottenham’, originally built in Stockton in 1802 by Thomas Haw, was a 3-decker, second class, ship rigged and measured 102ft. 6ins long and 31ft wide. Her tonnage was 557 tons. Thomas appears several times in the surgeon’s log . On the 18th May he was treated for severe pain in his left knee. By the 9th June he had swelling in the legs and blotches. Thomas was one of 36 cases of scurvy and by the 24th June he was much improved. The voyage was very tedious and Captain Dugald McDougall arrived in Sydney, Australia on the 14th October 1818. The vessel had been long expected and looked for. 190 male convicts were landed, 10 having died on the voyage. No record has survived of Thomas’s first days in the colony, nor did the record of his assignment. The first 28 years of his life should be interesting as his brief 11 ½ years in the colony found him quite active. On 6th April 1819, he married Elizabeth Curtis (free) by banns. The minister was William Cooper. In late 1820 or early 1821 James was born. We have no record of Elizabeth’s death. However on the 2nd July 1821 Thomas married Jane Thompson. Jane was born in England (probably London) in 1798. She arrived with her parents (James and Eliza (nee Sawyer)), brothers and sisters (free) aboard the “William Pitt” in 1806. In 1814 she was living at Windsor. Thomas and Jane were married at St Phillips church in Sydney. The witnesses were Carolyn Thompson and Charles Hogsflesh. At this time Thomas was a clothier. On the 8th November 1822 Thomas was born. He was baptized at St Phillips church Sydney on the 8th December 1822. Elizabeth was born on the 28th December 1824. She also was baptized at St Phillips on the 6th February 1825. On the 1st March 1826 “Thomas Buckson, prisoner of the crown, who had conducted himself with great insolence and disrespect towards the magistrates yesterday, whilst visiting the house to which his wife had obtained the indulgence of a licence for the last year. Sentenced to receive 50 lashes, and to be returned to Government. In September of 1826 (a Saturday), Thomas purchased a mare from a Mr. Kelly for 35 pounds. Fortunately Thomas purchased the horse in the presence of Mr. Collins and Mr. Passfield and obtained a receipt. On the following Monday, Thomas happened to meet Kelly who called out. “You are come to take me, I know: it is a stolen mare.” Kelly made towards the back door offering to give back the money. He subsequently made his escape from the house up George Street. Thomas overtook him and gave him in charge to a constable. A court case was held on 15th November 1826. William Collins was the keeper of the Royal Oaks public house on the Brickfield Hill. Shortly after, on the 23rd November 1826 Jane died. She was buried in the Devonshire Street Cemetery, Sydney (CofE). Her headstone read: “Sacred in memory of Mrs. Jane Buckton, wife of Thomas Buckton, who departed this life, 23rd November 1826, age 28 years, leaving a husband and …children.” On the 27th November 1826, Thomas petitioned Governor Darling for his freedom. He also asked that if this was not possible, that he be assigned to William Thompson, a Brewer at Brickfield Hill (Jane’s brother). On the 19th December 1826, he was assigned to William Thompson. On the 20th June 1827 Thomas again petitions Governor Darling to allow him to marry Ann Hance (free – “Morley” 1820). He resides at Brickfield Hill. With the consent of the Governor on the 6th August 1827, Thomas married Ann Hance (22 years). The witnesses were William Thompson (Jane’s brother) and Dulcibella Piper. In late 1827 James (Thomas’s first son) must have died. No record has been found of his death. However his name never appears again. On the 17th July 1828, Francis (a son) was born. At this time, Thomas gave his occupation as brewer residing in Campbell Street. He had no land or animals. In the 1828 Census, John Kidling gave his occupation as a brewer and that he was employed by Thomas Buxton of Campbell Street, Sydney. In the Sydney Gazette, Tuesday, 16th February 1830, there is a public notice, the events of which lead to Thomas’s death. “In the Supreme Court. Sherriff’s officer 12th February, 1830 Chisholm v Buckton Wheeler v same Cuthbert v same Cooper v same On Thursday next, 18th Instant, at One o’clock, on the Defendant’s Premises at the bottom of Brickfield-hill, the sheriff will cause to be sold, all rights, Title, Interest, and Estate of the Defendant in and to all those very valuable Allotments, on which are erected substantial Stores and Dwelling Houses: and, unless sufficient be realized to satisfy these Executions, all Defendant’s Stock in Trade, Brewing Utensils and Household Furniture: unless these Executions be previously satisfied.” Thomas was desperately broke. The sheriff’s officer had issued the notice on the Friday (12th February). Between 8 and 9 o’clock, that night Thomas had been confined in No5 Watchhouse for having in his possession a gold watch, identified to have been stolen. “He was in a very unruly state, frequently calling out for drink; his intel’ects were indeed unsettled.” He was allowed to walk the hall for the enjoyment of fresh air; some short time after; the deceased, who had been supplied with some beer of his own brewing, became more infuriated, and his language becoming very outrageous, he was confined in a cell, where he died;” He was found dead about 9 o’clock on the Sunday evening (14th February 1830). Dr. Bland examined the body and was of the opinion, from the attested history of the case, that the deceased came by his death partly from the diseased state of his body, more particularly of the stomach, which is very frequently attended with a certain species of delirium, and partly from the extreme heat of the weather and closeness of air of the cell in which he was confined. Verdict: That the deceased died from suffocation, much accelerated by heat of weather, the closeness of the cell in which he was confined, and a predisposition of the state of body, arising out of a constant excess of drinking. It was later noted that the watch had not been stolen. On the 18th February in the Sydney Gazette it was reported that eighteen months earlier he had been worth 2000 pounds. His embarrassments are said to have arisen out of an unfortunate attachment. Of the three surviving children, Thomas and Elizabeth went to live at Richmond with Caroline John (nee Thompson - Jane’s sister). Francis went with Ann, his mother, to the Newcastle area. She later married Thomas Hardes. All efforts to find Thomas Buckton in England have been fruitless. If anyone has the smallest piece of information about Thomas, it would be appreciated if they would contact George Buckton at bucktongr@yahoo.com.au or PO Box 3076, Valentine, NSW, Australia.2280. Compiled by: George Buckton – July 2009 (Original compilation October 1986 - now revised) CORONER'S INQUESTS. - Sydney Gazette Tuesday 16th February 1830. A coroner's inquest was held yesterday on the body of Thomas Buckton, lately a publican on the Brickfield Hill, who died suddenly in the watch-house, on the morning of the same day. Some discussion ensued as to the right of a reporter to be present at the inquest, upon which we may perhaps offer a few observations in our next. At present we will merely state, that the Coroner having taken the sense of the Jury on the subject, the majority of them were in favour of the reporter's admission, and he was admitted accordingly. After the Jury had proceeded to the watch house, where the deceased lay, and viewed the body, the following evidence was taken: Francis Satland, a constable in the Sydney Police, stated, that between 8 and 9 o'clock on Friday night last, the deceased was given in charge to the watch - house keeper ; he had been placed in charge for having had a gold watch in his possession, which was suspected to have been stolen. The man was in a very unruly state, frequently calling out for drink, his intellects were indeed unsettled. Mr. Jilks at this juncture happened to look into the watch house, and desired the subordinate constables to allow the man every liberty to walk the hall for the enjoyment of fresh air; some short time after, the deceased, who had been supplied with some beer of his own brewing, became more infuriated, and his language becoming very outrageous he was confined in a cell, where he died; it was in this situation that he was found by the Jury assembled by the inquest. Doctor Bland examined the body of the deceased; was of opinion his death was brought about by suffocation, having been confined in a close cell. To a hearty man, Dr. Bland said, it was not probable death would have ensued. The deceased had led a very intemperate life. Mr. Jilks said, that knowing the latter assertion to be a fact, he was induced to allow the man to have a glass or so of his own brewed beer, thinking it would be the means, in his depressed state of spirits, of keeping him alive. The Coroner charged the jury.-He did not think there was any evidence to warrant the suppo - sition which had gone abroad, that the deceased had come by his death from poison. The jury had however seen the situation in which the deceased had been found, and it was for them to determine whether he had come to his death by fair or unfair means. The jury returned a verdict that the deceased died from suffocation, much accelerated by the heat of the Weather, the closeness of the cell in which he was confined, and a predisposition of the state of the body, arising out of a constant excess of drinking The jury then broke up.